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about the Anarchist Recycling System

Yeah, yeah we know that recycling systems, no matter how comprehensive, do nothing to deal with gluttonous First World consumption patterns and the {sad} packaging around all the {sad} shit we buy. Like the rest of the United States, Hawai’i fully takes part in the destruction of the earth.

While there are a few US cities with decent recycling systems, Hawai'i is not one of them. Curbside recycling is available in a tiny fraction of our neighborhoods. A blue recycling bin was dropped off at our house about 6 years ago and we are still waiting for the first pick up. Recycling is only the lucky by-product of our Anarchist Bin Project. We are much more interested in hacking into Hawaii's {sad} recycling system to ask questions about ruling and belonging.

In 2004 the State implemented a {sad} system to encourage recycling. It imposed a 6¢ consumer deposit for each beverage container marked HI-5. 5 of the 6 cents are redeemed when/if the empty containers are taken to a redemption center. O'ahu is the most populated island in Hawai’i. With a population of approximately 900,000 on 607 square miles, there are only 62 redemption centers. Makeshift, nomadic and {sad}, generally in vacant parking lots, these centers are open for business on different days and hours, making it extremely difficult even for the most motivated.

There are no 'public' HI-5 recycling bins because the State has not allocated funding for pick up. {Sad}ly, since the State of Hawai’i values education as little as sustainability, schools (along with civic and social organizations) often use the HI-5 system as a fundraising mechanism. ‘Private’ HI-5 bins spring up here and there, locked and monitored, along with its own political economies, primarily replicating state-approved systems of property and authority, and ultimately morality and belonging. { help ! what's next ? }

Sick and tired of this nonsense, we designed some {funny} Anarchist Bins. (hint: they are anarchist because they are not public nor private, belonging to no one AND everyone.)

We are putting them everywhere and you (meaning YOU the reader) can too.